Tag: "Tom Cuddy"

WABC, New York Names Sid Rosenberg and Bernard McGuirk Midday Hosts. There’s no official word from Cumulus Media but TALKERS magazine is hearing the new show starts tomorrow (1/27). Filling in the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart left vacant by the November departure of Geraldo Rivera are the duo of Sid Rosenberg and Bernard McGuirk. Of course, McGuirk is the longtime executive producer of the WABC-based “Imus in the Morning” and Rosenberg was a longtime cast member on the Imus program. Most recently though, Rosenberg had been a personality on sports talk WMEN, Ft. Lauderdale where he hosted morning drive. He exited that station in December. Rosenberg and McGuirk did some fill-in work together at WABC and apparently passed the audition.

New Cumulus Media Programming Management Philosophy Gives Local PDs ‘Control Over the Day-to-Day Programming of Their Stations.’ Today’s missive from Cumulus Media CEO Mary Berner includes announcements about new corporate level programming personnel plus the news of VP stripes for many of the company’s corporate level programmers. But the monumental shift in local management philosophy is noted front-and-center. In announcing the addition of new staffers in the “key areas of research, strategy and format-specific expertise,” Berner states, “Who knows their markets better than the people who live and work there? We believe that the injection of more local insight and more effective corporate support into our programming decisions will drive improved ratings outcomes for our stations. Consistent with this view, Cumulus program directors will now report to market managers and will have control over the day-to-day programming of their stations which has not been the case in the past. Our corporate programming team, with its specialized resources and expertise, will be led by Mike McVay and will support the markets in the execution of this content strategy and in the creation of programming that surprises and delights — and delivers ratings.” Joining Cumulus are radio pros Dr. Ed Cohen, vice president, ratings and research; Doug Hamand, vice president, programming operations; Cat Thomas, vice president, CHR and hot AC; Ralph Cipolla, vice president, analytics; and Ken Johnson, vice president, urban. Cohen joins from Nieslen Audio. Hamand was an SVP of programming with iHeartMedia. Thomas was VP of programming in Las Vegas for CBS RADIO. Cipolla operated his own Cipolla Analytics. And Johnson comes from Cumulus’ own WUHT, Birmingham. At the same time, the company shuffles some managers around and gives VP stripes to others. They are: Val Garris, former vice president, programming, is promoted to vice president, analytics; Greg Frey, former corporate program director, is promoted to vice president, programming operations; Aaron Roberts, former vice president, programming partnerships, is promoted to vice president, programming communications/partnerships; Emily Boldon, former vice president, Stratus music programming and corporate program director, is promoted to vice president, AC. Troy Hanson, former corporate program director, rock formats, is promoted to vice president, rock; Brian Thomas, former corporate program director, country and classic hits, is promoted to vice president, classic hits; Charlie Cook, former operations manager, Cumulus Nashville, is promoted to vice president, country; Bill Hess, former corporate program director, news/talk, is promoted to vice president, news/talk; Scott Jameson, former corporate program director, classic rock, is promoted to vice president, classic rock; Bruce Gilbert remains SVP, sports for both Cumulus Media and Westwood One; and John Kilgo continues as vice president, label relations.

Michael Harrison and Herman Cain Dissect Politics, Economics, Race Relations, Talk Radio, the Media Circus, and How to Make a Great Pizza. WSB-AM, Atlanta and nationally syndicated radio talk star Herman Cain (WYM Media Management) joins TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison as this week’s guest on the hit PodcastOne series, “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” The two talk about a variety of today’s hottest subjects tapping into Cain’s wide-ranging experience as a former front-running GOP 2012 presidential candidate, businessman (CEO, Godfather’s Pizza; VP, Pillsbury; president, National Restaurant Association; chairman, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City), political strategist (member, Jack Kemp Commission; advisor, Bob Dole presidential campaign), best-selling author, newspaper columnist, and radio talk show host. They discuss politics, economics, race relations, and the media circus that surrounds elections and distracts the public, elected officials and the candidates from focusing on the truly important issues. Cain has just written a new book, The Right Problems: What the President, Congress, and Every Candidate Should Be Working On (Post Hill Books, 2016) in which he provides a blueprint for voters to ask the right questions of candidates and hold them (and the media) to higher standards in dealing with the crucial issues facing America. To hear the entire interview, click here or click the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column of every page on Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.

Herman Cain Releases Pertinent New Book and Launches Talk Radio Tour. As indicated in the story above, WSB-AM, Atlanta and WYM Media Management syndicated talk show host Herman Cain has released a new book, The Right Problems: What the President, Congress, and Every Candidate Should Be Working On (Post Hill Books, 2016), in which he provides a blueprint for voters to ask the right questions of candidates and hold them (and the media) to higher standards in dealing with the crucial issues facing America. According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who just interviewed Cain on the weekly Podcast One program “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison” (see story above), “Herman is a fantastic guest and this is a wonderful time to tap into him as a resource for talk shows looking to lift the conversation above the mudslinging and professional wrestling-style dialogue that has marked the 2016 presidential election even more so than any in recent memory. His experience and current successful career on radio makes him ‘one of us’ and regardless of whether or not you agree with his conservative ideological stand, he touches on the really important issues and does so with and intelligent, gentlemanly charisma that made him such an unexpected standout in the last presidential cycle. I loved talking with him on ‘Up Close and Far Out.’” To arrange a radio interview with Herman Cain, please contact Lisa Reichert at 678-565-5335 or lisa@hermancain.com.

Stephanie Miller Begins Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour 2016. Syndicated talk show host Stephanie Miller announces the launch of her 2016 Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour kicking off at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison on February 27. Miller will be joined by John Fugelsang and the comedy duo Frangela. She says, “America has spoken. The 2016 Republican presidential field has officially become so ridiculous that it has created a national comedy state of emergency that only America’s #1 Comedy Tour, Stephanie Miller’s Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour can answer. We hear your cry USA, and we’re on our way!” Miller says additional dates for the tour will be announced shortly.

Len Berman and Todd Schnitt Celebrate One-Year Anniversary. The WOR, New York morning team of Len Berman and Todd Schnitt celebrated their one-year anniversary on the job together. The program received a number of congratulatory calls from such celebs as: veteran WNBC-TV, New York news anchor Chuck Scarborough; New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio; and Radio Hall of Famer (and former Schnitt employer) Scott Shannon. Pictured here are (from l-r): WOR program director Tom Cuddy, executive producer Natalie Vacca, assistant program director Scott Lakefield, Schnitt, and Berman.

Presidential Race/Democratic Town Hall, Battle Against Islamic State, Missouri Professor Charged, Planned Parenthood Videos Case Twist, Sinking Oil Prices/Financial Markets Activity, Oscars Boycott, and NFL Conference Championships Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/25). The activities of the candidates for president and Monday evening’s Democratic Town Hall in Iowa; the fight against Islamic State and new intelligence on other militant Islamic organizations in the region; University of Missouri assistant professor Melissa Click is charged with assault for confrontation with reporter during the November 9 student protests; in a legal twist, a Houston grand jury indicts two people involved in creating the videos that appeared to show Planned Parenthood representatives breaking the law; the effects of sinking oil prices and the Chinese market plunge on the rest of the world’s financial markets; the controversy surrounding the boycott of the Academy Awards for a lack of minority nominations; and the NFL’s conference championship games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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It’s Official: Tom Cuddy to Program WOR, New York. The rumor of former WPLJ, New York PD Tom Cuddy’s new gig as programmer of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s news/talk WOR turns out to be true as the company officially announces his joining the station. He says of his new position, “I’m beyond excited to be joining a news/talk station that enjoys legendary status in New York. We have amazing plans to grow WOR and make it the hottest spot on the AM dial. WOR has one of the best signals on the East Coast.” Cuddy will work under former WABC, New York general manager Steve Borneman who recently joined WOR, as well.

Jolana Smith Named PD at Cumulus Media’s WFAS, Westchester, New York Combo. In her new position, Jolana Smith will program both the news/talk AM and the adult contemporary FM Cumulus is operating in Westchester. She comes to the stations from Cox Media’s AC WEZN, Bridgeport, Connecticut “Star 99.9” where she co-hosted morning drive and did the midday shift. In addition to programming both stations, Smith will host the midday shift on WFAS-FM. Smith states, “What an amazing opportunity to be part of the Cumulus programming ranks and to be working with SVP/programming Mike McVay and VP/AC format captain Emily Boldon…Somebody pinch me!”

David Sirota Exits KHOW, Denver. Progressive writer and columnist David Sirota exits Clear Channel’s KHOW, Denver where he’d been paired up with conservative Michael Brown for the past six months. Prior to that Sirota hosted the morning show at progressive talk sister station KKZN. The Denver Post reports neither side is saying much, obviously agreeing to not discuss the change in the press. But Sirota confirmed he’s no longer with Clear Channel and CC Denver VP of programing Greg Foster offered the obligatory “we thank him and wish him well” statement.

Rick Sanchez Lands Radio Gig at WIOD, Miami. Former CNN personality Rick Sanchez had been seeking a talk radio gig since his departure from CNN in the fall of 2010. Now, Sanchez takes over the afternoon drive slot at Clear Channel’s WIOD, Miami, replacing Rich Minaya. The hiring of Cuban-born and Spanish-speaking Rick Sanchez is interesting in as much as his media experience doing bi-lingual talk and news programs will give him a unique approach to connecting with the Miami audience. Sanchez was let go from CNN after making a comment on a radio program about Jews as minorities in the media business that was construed at politically incorrect.

Steve Deace Show Clears New York City. The Iowa-based Steve Deace talk show clears the Big Apple on Salem Communications’ WNYM “AM 970 The Answer” airing weeknights from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am. Deace’s program is in its second year of national syndication. Deace states, “To go live in New York City after only 13 months in syndication is quite an honor. There are good hosts on hundreds of radio stations around the country who can’t get cleared in New York City, so I’m well aware of what this means for the future of our show.” Salem director of spoken-word format Phil Boyce says, “We’re excited to see what one of the real rising talents in our industry can do in the nation’s number one market. Many of us have been waiting for the next generation of talk radio to emerge, and Deace represents that next generation.” Deace hosted a local program on WHO, Des Moines prior to going into syndication. His national show is carried on WHO.

Daily Kevin McCullough Show Adds Nine Affiliates in 2013. The nationally syndicated Kevin McCullough show adds nine new affiliates including: WWRC, Washington, DC; WGKA, Atlanta; KRCN, Denver; and WCRU, Charlotte. The program is syndicated by McCullough’s XtreMedia Inc. and the recent additions put McCullough’s program over the 300-affiliate mark. XtreMedia also syndicates the Dani Johnson radio program as well as the weekend Baldwin/McCullough show featuring McCullough and actor Stephen Baldwin.

Sports Offers Social Success Templates. Radio consultant Holland Cooke is in Las Vegas covering the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show but prior to that, he took in the New Media Expo (formerly the Blogworld conference). Cooke reports on the nuances of understanding and using social media for radio station promotion after hearing Amy Jo Martin’s keynote speech. Cooke says Martin believes, “One of the fundamental adjustments broadcasters need to make the most of social media is to understand that tools like Facebook and Twitter aren’t just transmitters. They’re conversations.” And social media tools can help jocks and talk hosts be more authentic to their audiences. Read more of Holland Cooke’s analysis here.

Alex Jones Takes on Piers Morgan. Nationally syndicated talk show host Alex Jones appeared on CNN on Monday evening with host Piers Morgan to debate the gun control issue and the petition to have British citizen Morgan deported in the wake of his high-profile call for new gun laws after the Newtown massacre. Traditional talk show hosts tend to shy away from gun issues on their programs but the right to bear arms is a cornerstone of Alex Jones’ belief system and a regular topic on his program. The feisty exchange on CNN was good TV theater and raises Jones’ national profile. See the program here.

Obama Cabinet Nominations, Debt Ceiling Issue, NFL Playoffs, Gun Legislation Discussion and Aurora Theater Massacre Hearing Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/7).President Obama’s nomination of Chuck Hagel for defense secretary and John Brennan for CIA chief; the issue of the nation’s debt ceiling; the weekend’s NFL playoff games; debate over changes to the nation’s gun laws; and the hearing in Colorado for Aurora theater massacre suspect James Holmes were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Cool Job Opportunity.Townsquare Media has an opportunity for the position of operations manager in Wichita Falls. If you have experience in country, rock, CHR and news/talk formats this could be the job for you. The OM will also serve as brand manager for our CHR station, 92.9 NIN, and must have a track record in that format. You will also host an on-air shift on 92.9 NIN. In addition to a strong ratings record, candidates should demonstrate a deep, rich understanding of interactive branding including social media, loyalty programs, content creation, e-commerce, streaming platforms, mobile and texting. This job is much more than picking the hits. The successful candidate will be a great leader, a talent coach, and a highly organized strategist. You’ll need exceptional teamwork skills to produce results with experienced talent, programmers, sales and digital teams. Strong working knowledge of music scheduling systems, digital audio systems and online media platforms are required. You’ll manage multiple tasks at once, and great communication skills, attention to detail and a sense of humor are all a must. We work hard and have fun doing it! If you’re a fun, dynamic, creative, proven winner who loves working in media, contact Chuck Armstrong at Townsquare Media: chuck@townsquaremedia.com. Townsquare Media is an equal opportunity employer.

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Rita Cosby to Host PM Drive at WOR, New York; PD Rumors Abound. As Clear Channel Media and Entertainment continues crafting its new New York City talk radio station – on Friday, TALKERS told you about Mark Simone’s moving from WABC to WOR to host the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon show – we now know that Rita Cosby is in place to host the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm program. The journalist, TV news anchor and current correspondent for CBS’ syndicated “Inside Edition” television program has been subbing on Big Apple talk radio recently. As for programmers, the speculation is that former hot AC WPLJ, New York program director Tom Cuddy is in place to program WOR. If that’s the case, it’s interesting that CC has gone outside the realm of talk radio programmers for this signal. One thing’s for sure, Cuddy certainly knows the New York market.

WABC, New York’s Aaron Klein Gains Big December PPM Audience. The host of WABC, New York’s Sunday evening “Aaron Klein Investigative Radio” program was the most-listened-to personality on the AM band during the 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm among Men 35-plus. Klein’s show was #3 in the market in that demo and during that time period behind only classic rock WAXQ and AC WLTW with a 7.0 share. Klein tells TALKERS magazine, “This clearly demonstrates that there is hunger for live weekend talk radio programming if the content is compelling, exclusive, news-oriented and entertaining.” Klein’s program beat out sports WFAN as well as the market’s two all-newsers in the Men 35-plus demographic.

Laura Ingraham Talks About New Show. In case you missed it, Courtside Entertainment-syndicated talk host Laura Ingraham spoke with Bloomberg BusinessWeek’s Diane Brady last week about changes in her life and work as she left Talk Radio Network for a new deal with Courtside. She told Brady, “After 11 years at TRN, it was time to retool how I approached the business. That meant everything from whom I partnered with and how the show is delivered to the topics I cover. Pounding on the same people and themes doesn’t expand an audience. Conservatives limit themselves when they just look at the world through a political lens. Politics is an important part of what I do — my core beliefs haven’t changed — but people are disillusioned with it.” She also pointed to her personal life as a reason for massaging the direction of her program. “I’m a single mother to three young kids; I’ve been treated for breast cancer; I’m caring for my aging father. There’s a lot more that unites us than divides us. I want the show to be livelier, funnier, newsier, more unpredictable. The personal connection with listeners is more satisfying than political conversations.”

Bay Area Media Blogger Rich Lieberman to Host Afternoons at KOMY, Santa Cruz.Rich Lieberman – who’s been writing the Rich Lieberman 415 Media blog for more than 10 years – had recently been doing some holiday fill-in work at Michael Zwerling-owned KOMY, Santa Cruz over the holidays. Now Zwerling announces Lieberman has been hired to be permanent host of the 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm program. Zwerling states, “Rich has been blogging about media, sports, and entertainment for more than a decade and has built an amazing audience, including MANY famous people who crave mentions and acknowledgement by this new media sensation. This reminds me of how people would die to be mentioned in Herb Caen‘s column in the San Francisco Chronicle for nearly half a century.”

Bobby Valentine Joins NBC Sports Radio as Weekly Contributor. Baseball’s Bobby Valentine is becoming part of the NBC Sports Radio network as a contributor to its coverage of Major League Baseball beginning this month. The network says Valentine will call in weekly to affiliated stations and NBC Sports Radio talk hosts with his candid thoughts and observations on baseball. In addition, Valentine will become a part-time co-host of a soon-to-be-announced daily Monday through Friday talk show that will debut in April as the network expands its programming lineup. The NBC Sports Radio network is being distributed and supported with ad sales by Dial Global. Valentine says, “I can’t wait to get started on NBC Sports Radio. I’m looking forward to talking to our affiliates and network shows, and to being a major contributor to the network. I always state my honest opinion and I can’t wait to share it with NBC Sports Radio listeners.”

“I Knew You’d Like This and That No One Else Would Show it to You.” This is the attitude that digital consultant Chris Miller says delivers higher quality content when using social media such as Facebook. In this piece for TALKERS, Miller explains how programmers can optimize their gains from Facebook using its EdgeRank algorithm. Miller says EdgeRank “works to show you what they think will matter most to you. It’s like a programmer picking songs; they want the good stuff to show up most often, and they don’t want to show you the stuff you don’t care about.” Miller explains the three elements that make up the algorithm and offers some tips how to capitalize on it. Read his piece here.

Sheena Metal Celebrates Four Years at LA Talk Radio. Los Angeles radio personality Sheena Metal is celebrating her fourth anniversary at the Sam Hasson-founded LATalkRadio.com. Metal was a long-time evening personality at CBS Radio’s old hot talk KLSX, Los Angeles before the station underwent a format change. Sam Hasson says, “Since she launched her daily radio show ‘The Sheena Metal Experience’ in January 2009, Sheena has grown tremendously in every way and built a respectable audience that is loyal and devoted. We anticipate more great entertainment and intriguing guests in the coming year. LA Talk Radio is proud to call Sheena Metal one of our own.” In addition to “The Sheena Metal Experience,” she co-hosts two weekly talk programs: the paranormal hit “Haunted Playground” alongside psychic/medium Danielle Egnew (Tuesdays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm) and the spicy “Two Chicks Talkin’ Politics” alongside actress Susan Olsen (of “The Brady Bunch” fame) airing Mondays 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For music lovers, Sheena Metal can even be found hosting her weekly “Music Highway” show on Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.